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Got a pain in your neck? Not an annoying relative, coworker, or friend – a literal pain located in your neck. Experiencing stiffness or soreness in your neck is never fun, and can make everyday life rather difficult. It is important to know the causes of neck pain in order to help fix it and prevent it in the future.

Here are some of the most common causes of neck pain:

• Injury— If you were involved in an accident, the impact may have caused your head to jerk around vigorously. It is likely that you injured the muscles and possibly the ligaments in your neck. Common neck injuries include automobile accidents, a hit while playing a contact sport, and falling.

• Arthritis— Whether it is rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, this condition can affect virtually any joint in your body; causing pain, inflammation, and stiffness.

• Emotional Stress— When you become stressed, your muscles can become tense. A stiff neck is a common first sign that you are feeling stressed.

• Pinched Nerve— A pinched nerve is commonly found in patients with arthritis, the narrowing of your spinal canal, or a herniated disk. If you suffer from a pinched nerve, you will usually experience a stiff neck that can radiate into your arms and legs.

• Meningitis— This is a serious life threatening infection that involves the fluid that surrounds your brain and spinal cord. Common symptoms of meningitis are headache, fever and a stiff neck. If you suspect you have meningitis, contact a doctor immediately.

• Poor Posture— Sitting or even sleeping improperly can wreak havoc on your neck. The effects of this may not be immediate, but over time they can really take their toll on your joints. “Text neck” is a new epidemic caused by people spending too much time looking down at their mobile phones.

OSG is a medical group comprised of Connecticut’s finest orthopedic doctors and surgeons. With three offices conveniently located throughout Fairfield County and two urgent care centers, we are there when you need us, where you need us. We have advanced surgical and nonsurgical treatment options for those experiencing any kind of neck pain, from mild to severe. If you have a “pain in your neck”, give us a call at (203) 337-2600.